System for conveying biomass for collection, transport, or processing

ABSTRACT

A system for conveying biomass is disclosed. The system is configured to convey biomass for collection, transport, or processing. The system comprises a housing comprising an opening configured for the entry of biomass, at least one shoe skid configured to offset the housing in a vertical orientation, an apparatus at least partially within the housing comprising at least one rotating blade assembly, and a conduit configured to discharge biomass from the housing so that biomass entering into the housing can be projected by the apparatus through the conduit for collection or transport. The system may comprise conduit that is extendable and has articulation segments for vertical movement. The system may comprise a housing that comprises a member to dislodge the biomass from a pile to flow into the opening. The system may comprise at least one shoe skid that comprises a large surface area and projects forward of the housing.

CROSS-REFERENCE

This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/701,388, filed Feb. 5, 2010, and entitled “SYSTEM FOR CONVEYINGBIOMASS FOR COLLECTION, TRANSPORT, OR PROCESSING”, which claims thebenefit of (a) U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/150,210,filed Feb. 5, 2009, entitled “BIOMASS COLLECTING SYSTEM”, and (b) U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 61/179,599, filed May 19, 2009, andentitled “BIOMASS CONVEYING SYSTEM”. The entireties of theaforementioned applications are expressly incorporated herein byreference

FIELD

The present application relates to a system for conveying biomass forcollection, transport, or processing. The present invention also relatesto an apparatus to create and move piles of biomass.

BACKGROUND

Biomass comprises plant matter that can be suitable for direct use as afuel/energy source or as a feedstock for processing into anotherbioproduct (e.g., a biofuel such as cellulosic ethanol) produced at abiorefinery (such as an ethanol plant). Biomass may comprise, forexample, corncobs and stover (e.g., stalks and leaves) made availableduring or after harvesting of the corn kernels. In order to be used orprocessed, biomass will be harvested and collected from the field andtransported to the location where it is to be used or processed. It isknown to collect biomass (such as corncobs and stover) in bales in thefield or in piles at the edge of the field. The bales or piles ofbiomass are then collected and transported from the field to thelocation of intended use or processing. To form the biomass into balesmay require additional specialized equipment (such as a baler) that isnot required to form the biomass into piles in the field. With suchknown equipment, conveyance of biomass that is harvested into bales maygenerally be more efficient or convenient than conveyance of piles(e.g., loose piles of plant material).

The difficulty or efficiency of the collection and transport operationfor biomass will depend upon, among other things, the type and form ofthe biomass that is collected. Biomass stored in piles at the edge ofthe field can be collected using a conventional loader. Collection witha conventional loader might be inefficient since the conventional loaderis sensitive to the skills of the operator. Conventional loaders orconveyor designs may also produce piles having uneven profiles. Theseuneven profiles can have ridges or edges that trap moisture, which couldaffect the biomass. Piles of biomass may contain foreign matter such asrocks or metallic parts shed by the harvest machinery which can causestoppages or equipment damage to conventional loaders or other equipmentused to move the biomass from the piles.

It would be advantageous to provide for a system to convey biomass forcollection and transport to a biorefinery. It would also be advantageousto provide for a system to convey biomass for collection and processingat a biorefinery. It would further be advantageous to provide for asystem to convey biomass that can achieve enhanced efficiency in thecollection of biomass that has been harvested or stored into piles or asimilar form.

SUMMARY

The present invention relates to a system for conveying biomass forcollection and transport. The system comprises a housing comprising anopening configured for entry of the biomass and at least one shoe skidconfigured to offset the housing in a vertical orientation. The systemalso comprises an apparatus at least partially within the housingcomprising at least one rotating blade assembly. Also included in systemis a conduit configured to discharge the biomass from the housing sothat the biomass entering into the housing can be projected by theapparatus through the conduit for collection or transport. The conduitis extendable and comprises articulation segments for vertical movement.

The present invention also relates to a system for conveying biomass forcollection and transport. The system comprises a housing comprising anopening configured for entry of the biomass and at least one shoe skidconfigured to offset the housing in a vertical orientation. The systemalso comprises an apparatus at least partially within the housingcomprising at least one rotating blade assembly. System also comprises aconduit configured to discharge the biomass from the housing so that thebiomass entering into the housing can be projected by the apparatusthrough the conduit for collection or transport. The housing furthercomprises a member configured to engage the biomass to be drawn into theopening of the housing to facilitate a flow of biomass into the housingand through the conduit.

The present invention further relates to a system for conveying biomassfor collection and transport. The system comprises a housing comprisingan opening configured for entry of the biomass and at least one shoeskid configured to offset the housing in a vertical orientation. Thesystem also comprises an apparatus at least partially within the housingcomprising at least one rotating blade assembly and a conduit configuredto discharge the biomass from the housing so that the biomass enteringinto the housing can be projected by the apparatus through the conduitfor collection or transport. The at least one shoe skid comprises alarge surface area and projects forward of the housing.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a system for conveying biomass forcollection and transport according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a schematic orthogonal view of a system for conveying biomassfor collection, transport, or processing.

FIG. 3 is a schematic front elevation view of the system.

FIG. 4 is an example of a snow blower that can be modified for theconveyance of biomass.

FIG. 5 is an example of a system that moves biomass from a pile andpropels the biomass to a trailer.

FIG. 6 is a schematic system block diagram illustrating an integrationof the system with an agriculture power unit.

FIG. 7 is a front elevation view and a side elevation view of a snowblower housing design.

FIG. 8 is a front elevation view and a side elevation view of a housingdesign of the system of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a side elevation view of a system design.

FIG. 10 is a side elevation view and a top view of the system design.

FIG. 11 is a front elevation view comparing impeller blades of a snowblower with impeller blades of the system of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a comparison of a front elevation view of rotor clearance ina snow blower with a front elevation view of rotor clearance of thesystem of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is schematic front elevation views of impellers of the system.

FIG. 14 is a schematic exploded orthogonal view of an orientation andrelationship of impeller blades and annular metal inserts of the system.

FIG. 15 is a top view of two embodiments of annular metal inserts forimpellers of the system.

FIG. 16 is a side elevation view showing articulation of a dischargespout of a snow blower and an articulation of a discharge spout of thesystem of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a schematic orthogonal view of an extendable discharge spoutof the system.

FIG. 18 is a schematic orthogonal view showing surface treatmentslocated inside a discharge spout of the system.

FIG. 19 is a front elevation view showing a direction of travel forcorncobs though a discharge spout.

FIG. 20 is a schematic view of a discharge spout that comprises a cameraunit.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIGS. 1-20, exemplary embodiments of a system for conveyingbiomass for collection, transport or processing are shown. As shown, thesystem can be configured or adapted to operate either integrated with oras a separate part of various other types of machinery (e.g. tractors,front-end loaders, utility vehicles, land movers, plows, snow blowers orother snow removal equipment, etc.).

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a system 100 for conveying biomass 102for collection and transport according to an exemplary embodiment. Thesystem 100 is configured to convey biomass for collection, transport, orprocessing. The system 100 comprises a housing comprising an openingconfigured for the entry of biomass and at least one shoe skidconfigured to offset the housing in a vertical orientation. The system100 also comprises an apparatus at least partially within the housingcomprising at least one rotating blade assembly and a conduit configuredto discharge biomass from the housing so that biomass entering into thehousing can be projected by the apparatus through the conduit forcollection or transport.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the system is intended to enhanceefficiency of the conveyance of biomass. The system may comprisemodifications to the design of a conventional snow blower, such as thesnow blower shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,288,933, which is incorporated byreference. The system can be worked into a snow blower or worked intoother equipment such as a front end loader or a tractor, for example.

The system is configured to (among other things) form a pile of biomassin the field or at other locations. The system can load biomass into atransport container or can load/convey biomass from a pile or from adifferent location into a transport container. The system can recoverbiomass that has been “spilled” or not picked up/loaded as intended byanother system and can put the biomass into a pile or other intendedplace (e.g., bin or conveyor at a biorefinery). The system attempts toimprove biomass material quality through particle size reduction.

FIG. 2 is schematic orthogonal view of a system 200 according to anexemplary embodiment. A snow blower design can be reconfigured to createsystem 200. The snow blower design is particularly preferred forconveying biomass due to several attributes of the snow blower. Forexample, a snow blower may have to contend with chunks of ice that couldresemble rocks and may come into contact with stones or gravel when usedon gravel drives or roads. The snow blower has a relatively simpledesign (with fewer moving parts), can have greater reliability, may tendto have relative lower power consumption, and generally has a highercapacity through continuous processing. With snow, snow blower designscan be rated for 2000 tons/hour which can be for ideal conditions with alarge amount of material.

System 200 provides a modified technical solution over a snow blower byincreasing throughput capacity in order to process corncobs. Biomassquality may also be changed with system 200 by mitigation of dirtingestion and incorporation of features that reduce particle size whichcan increase material density.

System 200 comprises a housing 202 that substantially encloses or coversmoving parts. A front side of housing 202 comprises an opening 204 thatfunctions as an intake for biomass. The biomass from a pile or anotherlocation enters housing 202 though opening 204. Opening 204 has aclearance that facilitates entry of the system 200 into the cob pile.Some snow blowers have difficulty entering into a cob pile larger thanthe opening of the snow blower. An opening of a snow blower housingdesign has been enlarged to create opening 204 of system 200. Forexample, an operator can engage system 200 into a pile of biomass byinserting housing 202 at least partially into the pile of biomass.Biomass that is in contact with housing 202 can enter system 200 throughopening 204.

Attached to housing 202 is a member in the form of a skid, shown as ashoe skid 206. The at least one shoe skid 206 is adapted to provide aconfigurable offset between housing 202 and the ground to mitigate dirtingestion into system 200 (through opening 204). According to anembodiment, the shoe skids comprise a large surface area and projectforward of the housing. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the useof wider shoe skids offsets housing 202 from the ground and minimizesdirt ingestion (through opening 204) while conveying cobs from a cobpile. In accordance with an embodiment, the shoe skids are attached tothe housing to enable non labor-intensive skid orientation changes tominimize contact with dirt. According to an embodiment, the shoe skidsare attached to the housing with bolts. According to an alternativeembodiment, the shoe skids can be attached to the housing by anotherattachment means such as fasteners, brazing, or welding.

Housing 202 substantially encases an apparatus comprising at least onerotating blade assembly. The rotating blade assembly can comprise one ormore rotating blowers 208 (two rotating blowers are shown) thatsimultaneously dislodge corncob (cobs) from a pile and impart sufficientenergy for the cobs to be projected through a conduit. The conduit isshown in the form of a discharge spout 210. According to an embodiment,the conduit is a single discharge spout that controls a direction ofprojection for the biomass. A single discharge spout can control aprojection direction of the biomass better than dual discharge spouts. Arotary speed of the rotating blowers is modified and optimized forconveying biomass. Located on rotating blowers 208 are impellers thatcomprise impeller blades 212 that provide dislodge and projectionfunctions. A number and design of the impeller blades is modified ascompared to a snow blower in order to contact and throw corncobs. Cobsenter impeller blades 212 axially and are thrown tangentially outdischarge spout 210. The perimeter of the impeller blades may beequipped with a number of geometric or surface treatments, such asmodified surfaces 214 and inserts 216 (shown installed), to reduce powerconsumption or shear the cobs and thus reduce their particle size.According to an embodiment, the inserts are annular metal inserts thatreduce and densify the material. According to another embodiment, theinserts are removable inserts.

A leading edge of housing 202 can be substantially covered with amember, shown in the form of rotating breaker bars 218. Member orrotating breaker bars 218 can dislodge cobs ahead of the impeller bladeswhich can allow system 200 to enter farther into the cob pile. Inaccordance with an aspect, the member is configured to engage thebiomass to be drawn into the opening of the housing to facilitate a flowof biomass into the housing and through the conduit. The member cancomprise at least one breaker bar. According to an embodiment, themember comprises a mechanism coupled to the housing. According toanother embodiment, the mechanism comprises at least one bar having arotating element. The rotating element comprises an auger, according toan embodiment. According to another embodiment, the at least one bar islocated at a top of the opening and in a substantially horizontalorientation. According to another embodiment, the member comprises afirst bar in a substantially vertical orientation and a second bar in asubstantially horizontal orientation.

A design of discharge spout 210 (inlet size, diameter, length, degree ofarticulation) is modified for biomass. Discharge spout 210 can have alength that is extended as compared to a snow blower discharge spout.For example, a length of the discharge spout can be extended in order tohave an increased height to project the biomass into a bin or transportcontainer elevated from the ground. According to an embodiment, thedischarge spout of the system has numerous sections that are joinedtogether. The numerous sections can enable the discharge spout toarticulate sufficiently through operator adjustments such that cobs maybe unloaded to a desired location (e.g., into a trailer) moreaccurately. According to some embodiments, discharge spout 210 caninclude internal surface treatments 220 (hidden) as indicated withindischarge spout 210. According to an embodiment, internal surfacetreatments comprise low friction material or low friction surfaces.According to some embodiments, an optional camera system can beconnected to the discharge spout. FIG. 3 is a schematic front elevationview of the system 200 of the present invention.

The system 200 can be a snow blower reconfigured to allow biomass to becollected, transported, and processed. An example of a snow blower 400that can be modified for the conveyance of biomass is illustrated inFIG. 4.

For example, system can collect biomass, such as from a field, andcreate piles or rows of biomass. System can move the biomass from thepiles or rows and convey or throw the biomass into a vehicle fortransport to another location. As shown in FIG. 5 a system 500 can takebiomass from a pile 502 and propel the biomass to a trailer 504. In abiorefinery environment, the system can move the biomass from a vehicleor bin onto a conveyor system for processing of the biomass.

FIG. 6 is a schematic system block diagram 600 illustrating anintegration of a system with an agriculture power unit according to anembodiment. A power take off (PTO) 602 is shown connected to anagricultural power unit 604 such as a tractor. The PTO 602 is also shownconnected to a system 606 such as a rotary blower. According to anembodiment, system 606 can be powered by other means, includingself-powering means, (e.g., hydraulic power, electric power).

A front elevation view 700 and a side elevation view 702 of a snowblower housing design are show in FIG. 7. In some snow blower designs, ahousing 704 is approximately four feet tall and has steel hinged flaps706 which can limit the ability of cobs to flow into rotors 708. Aconnection (hook-up) to a tractor is illustrated at 710.

FIG. 8 is a front elevation view 800 and a side elevation view 802 of ahousing design of a system of the present invention. Housing 804 ismodified for the addition of extra height to allow cobs stored in largepiles to contact the rotating blowers 806 (or impeller blades). Forexample, an extra height of the housing can allow cobs to fall into therotors. According to an embodiment, the housing has a width of at least9 feet to allow a large amount of material to enter the housing.According to an embodiment, the housing has a width of about 9-12 feet.A connection (hook-up) to a tractor is illustrated at 808.

A side elevation view 900 of a system design according to an embodimentis shown in FIG. 9. The side elevation view 900 of the systemillustrates a modified snow blower structure showing elements of thepresent invention. The modified structure includes bolt on shoe skids902. Bolt on shoe skids 902 may include a forward projection 904 thatextends outward from the housing. The forward projection 904 can help toproject the system into a cob pile further than a snow blower can beprojected into the cob pile. Bolt on shoe skids 902 may also have alarger surface area 906 than shoe skids associated with a snow blower. Aconnection (hook-up) to a tractor is illustrated at 908.

FIG. 10 is a side elevation view 1000 and a top view 1002 of a systemdesign of the present invention. According to a preferred embodimentshown in FIGS. 2 and 10, housing 202 is provided with an apparatus inthe form of a mechanism shown as breaker bar 218 intended to facilitatethe engagement and flow of biomass material (e.g. from a pile) intohousing 202. Breaker bar 218 can be located across a top of the housing202. Breaker bar 218 can auger the biomass material to the center of theentire housing or to the center of each blower in order to attempt toincrease the flow of the biomass material into the blower. According toanother embodiment, the breaker bar across the top of the housing can behinged to assist in breaking up the biomass material in the pile toincrease the amount of biomass material being fed into the blower.According to another embodiment, breaker bars of a larger diameter couldbe used to help increase the ability to pull the biomass material intothe blower. According to an alternative embodiment, the mechanism maycomprise auger type breaker bars that feed the biomass material to thecenter of the housing or to the center of the individual blower(s). Themechanism may also comprise an articulating breaker bar which can moveup into the pile to further facilitate the feed of the material into theblower.

Rotating breaker bars 1004 are employed to dislodge cobs ahead of thehousing. The rotating action of the breaker bars 1004 acts to dislodgecobs ahead of the oncoming rotating blowers which can allow for easierentry of the system into a pile of biomass (cob pile). Although therotating breaker bars 1004 are illustrated as having a certain diameter,the actual size may be larger or smaller to optimize the dislodging ofthe cobs. A connection (hook-up) to a tractor is illustrated at 1006.

A front elevation view comparing impeller blades 1100 of a snow blowerwith impeller blades 1102 of a system of the present invention is shownin FIG. 11. Impeller blades 1102 were modified from impeller blades1100. Impeller blades 1102 include cups 1104 in an attempt to propelbiomass. Cups 1104 can improve contact with cobs during rotation and canincrease velocity of the cobs exiting though a discharge spout.

FIG. 12 is a comparison of a front elevation view 1200 of rotorclearance in a snow blower with a front elevation view 1202 of rotorclearance of a system of the present invention. Front elevation view1200 illustrates rotor clearance (A) and (B) in a snow blower. Frontelevation view 1202 of rotor clearance of the system illustrates themodifications made to the snow blower design. The modifications includea larger clearance between rotors and housings (A) which provides roomfor inserts (B). The inserts allow features such as shear surfaces toreduce particle size of the biomass. According to a particularlypreferred embodiment, each insert comprises a plurality of shearsurfaces (C).

Schematic front elevation views of impellers 1300 of a system accordingto an embodiment are shown in FIG. 13. The first diagram 1302 shows aparticle path through impeller blades 1304 where particles enter theimpeller axially. The second diagram 1306 shows shearing of theparticles between the impeller blades 1304 and insert bars. The thirddiagram 1308 shows the discharge of particles (to the outlet ordischarge spout) at a high velocity. The particles can be throwntangentially out the discharge spout.

In a preferred embodiment, the present invention includes a modifiednumber and design of impeller blades specifically designed to contactand throw corncobs. The design shown in FIG. 13 is intended to improvecontact with corncobs during rotation and increases velocity of thethrown cobs. Bolt-on impeller surfaces can facilitate quick changes toorientation and quantity of impeller blades. The impeller surfaces maybe attached to the system with any suitable attachment means and are notlimited to bolts.

The rotary speed of a snow blower was optimized for biomass in aparticularly preferred embodiment. An adapted revolution per minute(RPM) speed was based on density and flow characteristics of cobs. Forsnow, one manufacturer recommends 1000 RPM PTO speed which produces 350RPM rotor speed on the blower. A PTO connection to an agriculture powerunit is only one example of the way the system may be powered (as shownin FIG. 6). The system may also receive power from another source, oneexample of which is hydraulic power.

FIG. 14 is a schematic exploded orthogonal view 1400 of an orientationand relationship of impeller blades 1402 and annular metal inserts 1404of a system according to an embodiment. The annular metal inserts 1404can have modified surfaces 1406 that can be inserted in the perimeter ofthe impellers. The annular metal inserts 1404 may include surfacefeatures which reduce cob particle size. In an embodiment, the surfacefeatures comprise shear surfaces. Surface features of the annular metalinserts 1404 that come in contact with the material (corncobs) act toshear the material and reduce particle size. The use of the surfacefeatures of the annular metal inserts 1404 results in a higher densitymaterial with a reduced particle size.

A conventional 8.5 foot wide snow blower employs two 49 inch diameterrotors in approximately 50 inch housings. According to the system of thepresent invention, modifications are made to the rotors so that lessthan 1.5 inches of clearance remain on all sides of the rotor. The extraroom is provided to install different inserts incorporating surfacefeatures for shearing. In one embodiment, additional clearance can alsobe obtained for installing larger shearing features using the 46 inchimpellers from an 8 foot snow blower.

FIG. 15 is a top view of two embodiments of annular metal inserts forimpellers of the system according to an embodiment. A “self cleaning”style 1502 and another possible orientation 1504 are shown. According toa preferred embodiment, the system is constructed to facilitate thethrough-flow of material and to reduce the accumulation of portions ofmaterial within the system (i.e. to be “self-cleaning” insofar as thefrequency of cleaning and service to maintain the system in operationcan be reduced). Other orientations are possible and can be utilizedwith the system.

FIG. 16 is a side elevation view showing articulation 1600 of adischarge spout of a snow blower and articulation 1602 of a dischargespout of a system of the present invention. The articulation 1602 of thedischarge spout is increased (as compared to articulation 1600).Increased articulation allows vertical movement or vertical orientationof the discharge spout for blowing biomass onto a pile as well as atleast 135 degrees from the vertical for truck loading.

A schematic orthogonal view of an extendable discharge spout 1702 of asystem according to an embodiment is shown in FIG. 17. In a preferredembodiment, the discharge spout is extended in length in order that thespout reaches into a truck, the typical height of which is 13 feet 6inches. The discharge spout is shown with a full length clean-out doorin case of plugging. The discharge spout can comprise a plurality ofarticulation segments for vertical orientation or vertical movement ofthe discharge spout.

Because snow blower designs are generally not optimized for creatinglarge piles and do not allow a great enough vertical trajectory tocreate the large piles, additional modifications were required. Toachieve increased vertical trajectory, changes to the geometry of a snowblower discharge spout were made, as illustrated in FIG. 17. Anadditional hydraulic cylinder and discharge spout section can be addedto achieve the ability to load trucks. Additional hydraulic cylindersand discharge spout sections may be added to increase articulation andheight. The speed and capability of the blowers may limit the maximumheight of the discharge spout design.

FIG. 18 is schematic orthogonal view showing surface treatments 1800located inside a discharge spout 1802 of a system according to anembodiment. In a preferred embodiment, the addition of surfacetreatments 1800 within the discharge spout 1802 helps to mitigate wearon the surfaces of the discharge spout 1802. The surface treatments canbe placed in the discharge spout or on any internal surface wherecontact with the flowing material (corncobs) occurs to reduce frictionand increase throughput of material through the discharge spout.According to a preferred embodiment, the surface treatments compriselow-friction material. According to an embodiment, the surfacetreatments are plastic material.

FIG. 19 is a front elevation view showing direction of travel for corncobs through a discharge spout of a system according to an embodiment.The resulting points of impact 1900 can benefit from surfacestreatments.

Because visibility for the operator is limited with tall trailers, oneembodiment may incorporate a camera unit to provide visual feedback tothe blower operator, visualizing the unload location. FIG. 20 is aschematic view of a discharge spout 2002 that comprises a camera unit2004 according to an embodiment. Camera unit 2004 can be configured toallow an operator of the system to see the biomass as it is discharged.For example, the operator is able to view the biomass being collected ina trailer 2006 and can selectively move the position or orientation ofdischarge spout 2002 (or the system) in order to more evenly distributethe load of biomass within the trailer 2006 (or other location).

In accordance with a particularly preferred embodiment, the system canbe based on a reconfigured snow blower. For example, a 5 foot extension(or a longer extension) can be added to the discharge spout in order forthe discharge spout to be capable of loading into a 13 foot talltrailer. A sufficient RPM level should be maintained in order tomitigate plugging of the discharge spout, which can occasionally occurif the system is overloaded and RPMs started to drop (or are maintainedat an insufficient level).

Various adaptations to a snow blower design have been disclosed. Theadaptations include, but are not limited to increasing the width of ahousing to about 9-12 feet to allow more material to enter the housingat any given time. An adaptation is utilization of rotating breaker barsthat operate as an active cutting edge. Another design adaptation is anincrease in reach and adjustment (or articulation) of the dischargespout. An adaptation is powering the system with a PTO. Design ofrotating blowers to aid in pile clean up and cob flow into the impellerblades has been reconfigured as disclosed. According to otherembodiments, the system can be utilized with a front end loader,tractor, or other device.

The word “exemplary” is used to mean serving as an example, instance, orillustration. Any embodiment or design described as “exemplary” is notnecessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over otherembodiments or designs, nor is it meant to preclude equivalent exemplarystructures and techniques known to those of ordinary skill in the art.Rather, use of the word exemplary is intended to present concepts in aconcrete fashion, and the disclosed subject matter is not limited bysuch examples.

The term “or” is intended to mean an inclusive “or” rather than anexclusive “or.” To the extent that the terms “comprises,” “has,”“contains,” and other similar words are used in either the detaileddescription or the claims, for the avoidance of doubt, such terms areintended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” asan open transition word without precluding any additional or otherelements.

It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of theelements of the disclosed subject matter as described in the detaileddescription and as shown in the figures is illustrative only. Althoughsome embodiments have been described in detail, those skilled in the artwho review the disclosure will readily appreciate that manymodifications are possible (e.g. variations in size, dimensions,structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values ofparameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors,orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novelteachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example,elements shown as integrally formed, the operation of the interfaces maybe reversed or otherwise varied, the length or width of the structuresand/or members or connectors or other elements of the system may bevaried, the nature or number of adjustment positions provided betweenthe elements may be varied. It should be noted that the elements and/orassemblies of the system may be constructed from any of a wide varietyof materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, in any of awide variety of colors, textures and combinations. Accordingly, all suchmodifications are intended to be comprised within the scope of thedisclosed subject matter. Other substitutions, modifications, changesand omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions andarrangement of the exemplary embodiments without departing from thespirit of the present invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system, comprising: a housing comprising anopening configured for entry of biomass; at least one shoe skidconfigured to offset the housing in a vertical orientation; and anapparatus at least partially within the housing and comprising at leastone rotating blade assembly, the apparatus is configured to project thebiomass entering into the housing through a conduit for collection ortransport; wherein the conduit is extendable and comprises articulationsegments for vertical movement and is configured to discharge thebiomass from the housing.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the conduitis a single discharge spout configured to control a direction ofprojection for the biomass.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein theconduit comprises internal surface treatments.
 4. The system of claim 3,wherein the internal surface treatments comprise low-friction material.5. The system of claim 3, wherein the internal surface treatmentscomprise plastic material.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the housingfurther comprises a member to dislodge the biomass from a pile for flowinto the opening.
 7. The system of claim 6, wherein the member is afirst bar comprising a rotating element.
 8. The system of claim 7,wherein the rotating element is an auger.
 9. The system of claim 1,wherein the housing further comprises: a first bar in a substantialhorizontal orientation at a top leading edge of the housing; and asecond bar in a substantial vertical orientation at a side leading edgeof the housing.
 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the biomass entersthe opening axially and is discharged tangentially from the conduit. 11.The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one shoe skid comprises alarge surface area and projects forward of the housing.
 12. The systemof claim 11, wherein the at least one shoe skid is configured to providea configurable offset between the housing and the ground.
 13. The systemof claim 1, further comprising a camera system attached to the conduit.14. The system of claim 1, wherein the system is configured forattachment to a front end loader.
 15. The system of claim 1, wherein thesystem is self-powered.
 16. A system, comprising: a housing comprisingan opening configured for entry of biomass; at least one shoe skidconfigured to offset the housing in a vertical orientation; an apparatusat least partially within the housing comprising at least one rotatingblade assembly; a conduit configured to discharge the biomass from thehousing, wherein the apparatus is configured to project the biomassentering into the housing through the conduit for collection ortransport; and wherein the at least one shoe skid comprises a largesurface area and projects forward of the housing.
 17. The system ofclaim 16, wherein the at least one rotating blade assembly comprisescups to propel the biomass.
 18. The system of claim 16, wherein the atleast one rotating blade assembly comprises removable inserts thatcomprise one or more surface features that reduce a size of the biomass.19. The system of claim 16, wherein the one or more surface featurescomprise a plurality of shear surfaces.
 20. The system of claim 16,wherein the housing comprises rotating breaker bars to dislodge thebiomass from a pile and the conduit is extendable and comprises aplurality of articulation segments for vertical movement.